The U.S. government on Wednesday refused to stop force-feeding prisoners at the U.S. detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In court papers rejecting a petition by detainees, the United States said the feeding provides "essential nutrition and medical care" and does not interfere with the detainee's religious fasting during Ramadan.

The Justice Department also denied claims that it was giving the drug Reglan to the detainees.